Continued landslide risk and rockfall hazards in Iceland due to heavy rainfall and high winds

Continued landslide risk and potential rockfall hazards persist in Iceland due to heavy rainfall and high winds. The ground remains water-saturated over large areas, preventing it from drying out between rain showers. The greatest precipitation is expected in the South and West regions and the southern part of the Westfjords, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

In recent days, significant rainfall has led to several reports of rockfalls in various parts of the country. Such events can occur not only during intense rainfall but also with sudden and drastic temperature changes.

Katrín Agla Tómasdóttir, a meteorologist with the Icelandic Meteorological Office, noted, “We have had very wet weather in recent days, so the soil remains saturated and cannot dry up between rain events. Therefore, we cannot rule out movements in steep slopes, and there is a risk of rockfalls given the current wind speeds.”

Travel conditions are particularly hazardous in the Westfjords and North Iceland this afternoon, compounded by the adverse weather. As the country grapples with these weather challenges, the safety of residents and visitors remains a top concern.